Multi-Motion Appliance

ABSTRACT

A power tool is advantageously configured to provide a rotating motion, an oscillating motion, and a reciprocating motion. The power tool includes at least one motor, which is operable to drive these three different motions at the same time. The power tool includes a rotating member, which is configured to output a rotating motion. The rotating member is configured to attach to and detach from a rotating accessory. The power tool includes an oscillating member, which is configured to output an oscillating motion. The oscillating member is configured to attach to and detach from an oscillating accessory. The power tool includes a pin, which is configured to output a reciprocating motion. The pin is configured to provide the reciprocating motion to a reciprocating accessory. The power tool is configured to provide a connected accessory with the corresponding motion during operation.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No.63/050,326, which was filed on Jul. 10, 2020, and which is herebyincorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

FIELD

This disclosure relates generally to multi-motion appliances, and moreparticularly to multi-motion power tools.

BACKGROUND

In general, most motorized cleaning tools operate with rotating motions.However, these cleaning tools have a number of drawbacks, such as beinglimited to cleaning with only rotating motions. Although there is amotorized cleaning tool that is enabled to provide two motions, such acleaning tool also has a number of drawbacks, such as having programmedoperating modes and/or relatively complex drive mechanisms to providethese two motions.

SUMMARY

The following is a summary of certain embodiments described in detailbelow. The described aspects are presented merely to provide the readerwith a brief summary of these certain embodiments and the description ofthese aspects is not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure.Indeed, this disclosure may encompass a variety of aspects that may notbe explicitly set forth below.

According to at least one aspect, a power tool includes at least a firstshaft, a first gear, a second gear, a second shaft, a rotating member, apin, a yoke, and an oscillating link. The first shaft is configured tobe driven to rotate by a motor. The first gear is movable by the firstshaft. The second gear is movable by the first gear. The second shaft ismovable by the second gear. The rotating member is movable by the secondshaft. The rotating member is configured to output a rotating motion.The yoke is movable by the first shaft. The yoke is configured to movethe pin. The oscillating link is movable by the pin. The oscillatinglink has an oscillating member that is configured to output anoscillating motion.

According to at least one aspect, a power tool includes at least adriving shaft, an output shaft, a gear set, a yoke, a pin, and anoscillating link. The driving shaft is movable about a first axis whendriven by a motor. The output shaft is movable about a second axis. Thegear set is configured to move the output shaft as the driving shaftmoves. The yoke is configured to move with the driving shaft. The pin isconfigured to move with the yoke. The oscillating link has a slot toreceive the pin. The oscillating link is movable by the pin. Theoscillating link has an oscillating member to output an oscillatingmotion. The pin is configured to move within the slot. The pin has aportion that extends beyond a surface of the oscillating link to outputa reciprocating motion.

According to at least one aspect, a power tool includes at least arotating member, an oscillating member, a pin, and a motor. The rotatingmember is configured to output a mtating motion. The rotating member isattachable to and detachable from a rotating accessory. The oscillatingmember is configured to output an oscillating motion. The oscillatingmember is attachable to and detachable from an oscillating accessory.The pin is configured to output a reciprocating motion. The pin isconfigured to provide the reciprocating motion to a reciprocatingaccessory. The motor is configured to drive the rotating member, theoscillating member, and the pin such that the rotating motion, theoscillating motion, and the reciprocating motion are outputsimultaneously by the power tool.

These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the presentinvention are discussed in the following detailed description inaccordance with the accompanying drawings throughout which likecharacters represent similar or like parts.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a side of the multi-motion applianceaccording to an example embodiment of this disclosure.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a side of the multi-motion applianceaccording to an example embodiment of this disclosure.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an example of a gear box of themulti-motion appliance according to an example embodiment of thisdisclosure.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an example of a rotating member of themulti-motion appliance according to an example embodiment of thisdisclosure.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an example of a yoke of the multi-motionappliance according to an example embodiment of this disclosure.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an example of an oscillating link of themulti-motion appliance according to an example embodiment of thisdisclosure.

FIG. 7A is a view of a bottom side of the multi-motion appliance whenthe oscillating member is at one oscillating angle according to anexample embodiment of this disclosure.

FIG. 7B is a view of a bottom side of the multi-motion appliance whenthe oscillating member is at another oscillating angle according to anexample embodiment of this disclosure.

FIG. 8A is a view of a bottom side of the multi-motion appliance whenthe pin is at a first position within the slot of the oscillating linkaccording to an example embodiment of this disclosure.

FIG. 8B is a view of a bottom side of the multi-motion appliance whenthe pin is at a second position within the slot of the oscillating linkaccording to an example embodiment of this disclosure.

FIG. 9A is a perspective view of a side of the multi-motion appliancewith an accessory that is configured to rotate according to an exampleembodiment of this disclosure.

FIG. 9B is a perspective view of the accessory of FIG. 9A when detachedfrom the multi-motion appliance according to an example embodiment ofthis disclosure.

FIG. 10A is a perspective view of a side of the multi-motion appliancewith an accessory that is configured to oscillate according to anexample embodiment of this disclosure.

FIG. 10B is a perspective view of the accessory of FIG. 10A whendetached from the multi-motion appliance according to an exampleembodiment of this disclosure.

FIG. 11A is a perspective view of a side of the multi-motion appliancewith an accessory that is configured to reciprocate according to anexample embodiment of this disclosure.

FIG. 11B is a perspective view of the accessory of FIG. 11A whendetached from the multi-motion appliance according to an exampleembodiment of this disclosure.

FIG. 11C is a perspective view of another example of an accessory thatis configured to move in a reciprocating motion when connected to themulti-motion appliance according to an example embodiment of thisdisclosure.

FIG. 11D is a perspective view of yet another example of an accessorythat is configured to move in a reciprocating motion when connected tothe multi-motion appliance according to an example embodiment of thisdisclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The embodiments described herein, which have been shown and described byway of example, and many of their advantages will be understood by theforegoing description, and it will be apparent that various changes canbe made in the form, construction, and arrangement of the componentswithout departing from the disclosed subject matter or withoutsacrificing one or more of its advantages. Indeed, the described formsof these embodiments are merely explanatory. These embodiments aresusceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, and thefollowing claims are intended to encompass and include such changes andnot be limited to the particular forms disclosed, but rather to coverall modifications, equivalents, and alternatives within the spirit andscope of this disclosure.

FIGS. 1 and 2 show different views of sides of a multi-motion appliance100 according to an example embodiment. More specifically, FIG. 1 showsa perspective view of one side of the multi-motion appliance 100 whileFIG. 2 shows a cross-sectional view of an opposite side of themulti-motion appliance 100. The multi-motion appliance 100 is aportable, standalone power tool. The multi-motion appliance 100 is sizedand structured to be hand-held. The multi-motion appliance 100 isconfigured to be cordless, connected to at least one cord, orconnectable to at least one cord.

The multi-motion appliance 100 includes a housing 102, which comprises arigid and durable material. The housing 102 is configured to house andprotect a number of components. For example, the housing 102 isstructured to house at least the power supply and the motor. The housing102 is also configured to accommodate or include a power switch thatenables the multi-motion appliance 100 to be switched from an off-stateto an on-state and also enables the multi-motion appliance 100 to beswitched from an on-state to an off-state. The power switch is operableto connect and disconnect the power supply from the motor. In addition,the housing 102 is configured to house at least a portion of a number ofother components, as shown in FIG. 2.

The housing 102 includes at least a handle portion 104 and a bodyportion 106. The handle portion 104 enables the multi-motion appliance100 to be hand-held. In addition, as shown in FIG. 2, the handle portion104 includes a holding structure 108, such as a cage, cradle, ribs, orany suitable mechanism, which is configured to hold a power supply, suchas at least one battery. The handle portion 104 includes a first endportion and second end portion. The first end portion is tapered towardsan end portion to provide for ease of grasping and/or holding themulti-motion accessory. The second end portion is connected to andinterfaces with the body portion 106 of the housing 102.

The body portion 106 is a generally elongated member. The body portion106 extends along an axis that is perpendicular to or substantiallyperpendicular to the axis in which the handle portion 104 extends. Thebody portion 106 is structured to house the motor (not shown) along witha number of components that provide the output motions. The body portion106 includes a first section 110, which is configured to house andsupport the motor. The body portion 106 also includes a second section112, which is configured to house and support a number of components.For example, in FIG. 2, the second section 112 is configured to houseand support, at least a portion of a planetary gear 114, a first shaft116, a gear set (e.g., first gear 118 and second gear 120), and a secondshaft 122. The second section 112 may also house other components, whichare shown in FIG. 2 or which may be included to enhance thefunctionalities described herein. Also, as shown in at least FIGS. 1 and2, the body portion 106 is connected to a gear box 124. The body portion106 includes attachment mechanisms to enable the housing 102 to besecured to the gear box 124. For example, the body portion 106 includesa set of bosses 126 at predetermined positions along the body portion106. The set of bosses 126 of the housing 102 align with a correspondingset of bosses 128 of the gear box 124, thereby enabling fasteners 162 tobe received by the aligned bosses such that the housing 102 is securedto the gear box 124.

FIG. 3 shows a view of the gear box 124 according to an exampleembodiment. The gear box 124 is configured to house a number ofcomponents that provide the output motions. For instance, as shown inFIG. 2, the gear box 124 is configured to house at least a portion ofthe first shaft 116, the second shaft 122, a yoke 130, a pin 132, arotating member 134, and an oscillating link 136. The gear box 124 isalso configured to house other relevant components, such as a rollingbearing 138, a bushing 140, fasteners, other mechanical devices, or anycombination thereof. In addition, the gear box 124 includes at least onecover plate 142, which is configured to cover and protect the internalcomponents of the multi-motion appliance 100. As a non-limiting example,during a cleaning operation, the cover plate 142 is configured toprotect the internal components from various foreign matter (e.g.,debris, dust, dirt, liquid, soap, etc.).

The cover plate 142 has an external surface 142A (FIGS. 7A and 7B),which includes guide members 144. The guide members 144 are configuredto engage with and disengage from corresponding guiding connectors 146of a reciprocating accessory 148, as shown, for example, in FIGS. 11Cand 11D. For instance, in FIG. 3, the guide members 144 include paralleltracks, which are configured to receive the guiding connectors 146 ofthe reciprocating accessory 148. In this case, each track includes agroove with an undercut to provide a secure and movable connection witha corresponding guide connector 146 of the reciprocating accessory 148.The guiding connectors 146 include parallel guide rails, which areconfigured to slide or glide along the parallel grooves. The guidingconnectors 146 may also include clips 146A or any suitable device, asshown, for instance, in FIGS. 11C and 11D, to ensure that thereciprocating accessory 148 stays on a linear path along thetracks/rails. The connection between the guide members 144 and theguiding connectors 146 constrains the reciprocating accessory 148 to alinear, reciprocating motion as the pin 132 pushes against sidewallportions 150 of the reciprocating accessory 148 that define a slot 152of the reciprocating accessory 148. In addition, the oscillating link136 (FIG. 6) includes a slot 154 that is elongated along an axis, whichis perpendicular to an elongation of the slot 152 of the reciprocatingaccessory 148, thereby enabling the pin 132 to move along a linear pathto provide the reciprocating motion to the reciprocating accessory 148.In this case, the parallel grooves are provided on the gear box 124 asthey provide clearance and do not interfere with the mounting orattachment of any of the various accessories that may be connected tothe multi-motion appliance 100. As an alternative arrangement, as shown,for example, in FIG. 11B, the guiding connectors 146 may be located onthe gear box 124 while the guide members 144 may be located on thereciprocating accessories 148. Furthermore, the gear box 124 and thereciprocating accessories 148 are not limited to these guide members 144and guiding connectors 146, but may include any suitable mechanisms thatare enabled to provide similar functions.

The cover plate 142 includes a first through-hole 156 and a secondthrough-hole 158, which may intersect or overlap. The rotating member134 is configured to pass through the first through-hole 156 and extendbeyond the cover plate 142 so that the rotating member 134 is accessiblefor connecting to and disconnecting from a rotating accessory 164 (FIGS.9A and 9B). In addition, the oscillating link 136 includes anoscillating member 160, which is configured to pass through the firstthrough-hole 156 and extend beyond the external surface 142A of thecover plate 142 so that the oscillating member 160 is accessible forconnecting to and disconnecting from an oscillating accessory 166 (FIGS.10A and 10B). In addition, the pin 132 is configured to pass through thesecond through-hole 158 and extend beyond the external surface 142A ofthe cover plate 142 so that the pin 132 is accessible for connecting toand disconnecting from a reciprocating accessory 148. In this regard, asdiscussed above, the multi-motion appliance 100 is advantageous inproviding three distinct connections (e.g., rotating member 134,oscillating member 160, and pin 132) that output three distinct motionsat the same time when the motor is operating. This feature isadvantageous as the user simply attaches an accessory corresponding tothe desired motion onto the power tool and then activates the on-statevia the power switch to provide the desired motion to the attachedaccessory, thereby saving the user from an extra step of having toactivate a particular programmed operating mode or the like that wouldotherwise be associated with that selected motion after attaching anaccessory to the power tool.

The multi-motion appliance 100 is configured to operate on its own powersupply. The multi-motion appliance 100 is configured to include a powercord to supply power to the motor and/or to recharge the power supply.For example, the multi-motion appliance 100 includes at least onebattery (not shown) as its power supply. The battery includes areplaceable battery, a rechargeable battery, or a replaceable andrechargeable battery. As a non-limiting example, the battery includes alithium ion battery, an alkaline battery, a NiCad battery, any suitablebattery, or any combination thereof. The power supply is operablyconnected to the motor.

The motor is configured to drive a first shaft 116. For example, asshown in FIG. 2, the motor is connected to a planetary gear 114, whichis configured to drive the first shaft 116 about a first axis 10. Atleast one speed reduction may occur within the planetary gear 114. Thefirst shaft 116 is a driving shaft. The first shaft 116 is configured todrive a gear set such that power is transferred from the first shaft 116to the second shaft 122. The second shaft 122 is an output shaft. Thegear set includes at least a first gear 118 and a second gear 120. Thefirst shaft 116 is configured to extend through a bore in a centralregion of the first gear 118. The first shaft 116 is also configured toextend through the rolling bearing 138 to reduce friction between thefirst shaft 116 and the first gear 118. In addition to driving the gearset, the first shaft 116 is configured to drive a slotted linkmechanism, which includes at least the yoke 130, the pin 132, and theoscillating link 136. More specifically, the first shaft 116 isconfigured to drive the yoke 130. In this regard, when driven by themotor, the first shaft 116 simultaneously drives at least twocomponents: the first gear 118 and the yoke 130. In FIG. 2, forinstance, the first shaft 116 is press-fit onto the yoke 130 such thatthe yoke 130 rotates when the first shaft 116 rotates.

The gear set is configured to transfer power from the first shaft 116(“the driving shaft”) to the second shaft 122 (“the output shaft”). Thegear set includes the first gear 118 and the second gear 120. The firstgear 118 is connected to the first shaft 116 and configured to rotatewith the first shaft 116. For example, in FIG. 2, the first gear 118 isa pinion gear, which is configured to drive the second gear 120. Thesecond gear 120 is configured to rotate with the first gear 118. Thesecond gear 120 is larger than the first gear 118. The second gear 120is configured to drive the second shaft 122. A location of the secondshaft 122 is offset from a location of the first shaft 116. The secondshaft 122 is configured to rotate about a second axis 20. The secondshaft 122 extends parallel or substantially parallel to the first shaft116. The second axis 20 is parallel or substantially parallel to thefirst axis 10. In this example, the second shaft 122 is configured torotate in one direction with the second gear 120 and not in a reversedirection.

The second shaft 122 is secured to the second gear 120 and the rotatingmember 134. For instance, in FIG. 2, the second shaft 122 includes afirst hole 168, which is configured to receive a first locking pin. Thefirst locking pin is configured to extend through a corresponding holeof the second gear 120 and also extend through the first hole 168 of thesecond shaft 122, thereby securing the second gear 120 to the secondshaft 122. In addition, the second shaft 122 includes a second hole 170,which is configured to receive a second locking pin. The second lockingpin is configured to extend through corresponding holes 172 of therotating member 134 and also extend through the second hole 170 of thesecond shaft 122, thereby securing the second gear 120 to the secondshaft 122.

FIG. 4 shows a view of the rotating member 134 according to an exampleembodiment. The rotating member 134 is configured to rotate with thesecond shaft 122 about the second axis 20. In this example, the rotatingmember 134 is configured to rotate in one direction and not in thereverse direction. The rotating member 134 is configured to occur at afirst speed, which is slower than the other speeds of the other motions.In an example embodiment, the oscillating motion and the reciprocatingmotion are performed at similar or the same speeds, which are fasterthan the speed of the rotating motion. The rotating member 134 includesa first portion, which includes a sleeve portion 174. The sleeve portion174 is configured to receive a portion of the second shaft 122. Thesleeve portion 174 includes at least one hole 172 to receive the secondlocking pin. The second locking pin is configured to extendperpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the rotating member 134. Also,the hole 172 of the sleeve portion 174 and the corresponding second hole170 of the second shaft 122 are configured to overlap such that thesecond locking pin is configured to lock the rotating member 134 to thesecond shaft 122.

The rotating member 134 includes a second portion. The second portionincludes a first type of connector 176, which is configured to connectto and disconnect from a corresponding first type of connector 178 ofthe rotating accessory 164. For example, in FIG. 4, the first type ofconnector 176 includes a socket to receive the corresponding plug of thefirst type of connector 178 of the rotating accessory 164. In this case,with respect to at least a radial dimension, the sleeve portion 174 issmaller than first type of connector 176. The first type of connector176 includes various snap-fit components 180, which are configured toprovide a snap-fit connection with corresponding snap-fit components 182of the corresponding first type of connector 178 of a rotating accessory164 (FIG. 9B).

FIG. 5 shows a view of the yoke 130 according to an example embodiment.The yoke 130 is configured to connect the first shaft 116 to the pin132, thereby enabling the pin 132 to move in accordance with a movementof the first shaft 116. The yoke 130 is configured to rotate with thefirst shaft 116. The yoke 130 is concentric with the first shaft 116.The yoke 130 is configured to rotate about the first axis 10. Forexample, in FIGS. 2 and 5, the yoke 130 is a rotatable disk 184 with anopening 186 to receive the first shaft 116 and a through-hole 188 toreceive the pin 132. The first shaft 116 and the pin 132 are configuredto extend parallel or substantially parallel to each other whenconnected to the yoke 130. As shown in FIG. 5, the first shaft 116 isconnected at a center region of the yoke 130 via the opening 186. Forinstance, in this case, the first shaft 116 has its end portionpress-fit into the opening 186 of the yoke 130. The pin 132 is connectedto the yoke 130 at a location that is offset from a location of thefirst shaft 116. The pin 132 is eccentric with respect to the yoke 130and the first shaft 116. The pin 132 is secured to the yoke 130 via thethrough-hole 188 and configured to move with the yoke 130 as the yoke130 moves with the first shaft 116.

FIG. 6 shows a view of the oscillating link 136 according to an exampleembodiment. The oscillating link 136 is an elongated member. Theoscillating link 136 is structured to include any suitable shape that isconfigured to provide the functions as described herein. For example, inFIG. 6, the oscillating link 136 includes a cross-section that comprisesa five-sided shape (substantially pentagonal shape) with roundedcorners. Also, as shown in FIG. 6, the oscillating link 136 includes afirst portion 190, which is structured to interact with the pin 132. Thefirst portion 190 has a first dimension D1, which may extend along anaxis parallel to the second axis. The oscillating link 136 includes anelongated slot 154 to receive at least a portion of the pin 132. Theoscillating link 136 is movable by the pin 132. The pin 132 isconfigured to move the oscillating link 136 by pushing against sidewallportions 154A and 154B of the oscillating link 136 that define the slot154. Also, the pin 132 is structured to extend through the slot 154 andbeyond a surface 194 of the oscillating link 136 by a predeterminedamount to be able to output a reciprocating motion to the reciprocatingaccessory 148. In addition, the end portion of the pin 132 is configuredto protrude outward from the cover plate 142 of the gear box 124 andprovide a reciprocating motion to a reciprocating accessory 148.

The oscillating link 136 includes a second portion 192. The secondportion 192 includes a slot 196 to receive at least a part of the secondshaft 122 and the rotating member 134. In FIG. 6, for instance, thesecond portion 192 includes sidewall portions 196A having a round shapein cross-section that defines a shape of the slot 196. The slot 196 isconfigured to receive a bushing 140, which is disposed between thesidewall portions of the slot 196 and the exterior walls of the rotatingmember 134. The second portion 192 further includes an oscillatingmember 160, which extends from the surface 194 of the oscillating link136. The oscillating member 160 has a second dimension D2, which isgreater than the first dimension D1. The oscillating member 160 hassufficient length to be able to extend out from the cover plate 142,thereby enabling the oscillating member 160 to be connectible to anoscillating accessory 166. The second portion 192 has a second dimensionD3, which is greater than the first dimension D1. The third dimension D3is a sum of the first dimension D1 and the second dimension D2. When theoscillating link 136 moves with the pin 132, the oscillating member 160is configured to output an oscillating motion via the oscillating member160.

FIGS. 7A and 7B are views of a bottom side of a multi-motion appliance100 in relation to different states of the oscillating motion accordingto an example embodiment. More specifically, FIG. 7A shows a view of theoscillating link 136, particularly the oscillating member 160 and theslot 154, as having rotated by a first predetermined angle θ1 withrespect to the second axis 20 during an oscillating motion. In contrast,FIG. 7B shows a view of the oscillating link 136, particularly theoscillating member 160 and the slot 154, as having rotated by a secondpredetermined angle θ2 with respect to the second axis 20 during anoscillating motion. More specifically, when the pin 132 pushes againstone sidewall portion 154B that defines the slot 154, the oscillatinglink 136 oscillates about the second axis 20 by an amount correspondingto and/or achieving the first predetermined angle θ1. As anotherexample, when the pin 132 pushes against an opposite sidewall portion154A that defines the slot 154, the oscillating member 160 oscillatesabout the second axis 20 by an amount corresponding to and/or achievingthe second predetermined angle θ2. Furthermore, the oscillating member160 is configured to provide intermediary angles, which include a rangebetween the first angle θ1 and the second angle θ2, as the oscillatingmember 160 moves between the first angle θ1 and the second angle θ2.

The oscillating member 160 includes a second type of connector 198,which is configured to connect to and disconnect from a correspondingsecond type of connector 200 of an oscillating accessory 166 (FIG. 10B).For example, as shown in FIG. 6, the second type of connector 198comprises a protruding portion. In this case, the protruding portionincludes a generally four sided shape with rounded corners in plan view.The second type of connector 198 is configured to mate with acorresponding second type of connector 200 associated with theoscillating accessory 166 to provide a snap-fit connection. In thiscase, as shown in FIG. 10B, for instance, the second type of connector200 includes a receiving portion that includes a generally four sidedshape with rounded corners in plan view. In FIG. 6, the second type ofconnector 198 includes snap-fit components 202, which are configured toprovide a snap connection with corresponding snap-fit components 204 ofthe second type of connector 200 of the oscillating accessory 166.

FIGS. 8A and 8B are views of a bottom side of a multi-motion appliance100 in relation to the reciprocating motion according to an exampleembodiment. More specifically, FIG. 8A shows a view of the pin 132 at afirst position with respect to the slot 154 of the oscillating link 136during a reciprocating motion. FIG. 8B shows a view of the pin 132 at asecond position with respect to the slot 154 of the oscillating link 136during a reciprocating motion. As shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B, the firstposition and the second position are located at opposite end portionsthat define the slot 154. In this regard, the pin 132 is configured tomove between the first position and the second position. The pin 132 isalso configured to move to intermediary positions, which are within,between, and inclusive of the first position and the second position, asthe pin 132 moves between the first position and the second position. Asshown by FIGS. 8A and 8B, the pin 132 is configured to move within andalong a length of the slot 154 of the oscillating link 136 to providethe reciprocating motion. Furthermore, as an example, when interactingwith a reciprocating accessory 148 (FIG. 11B, 11C, or 11D), the pin 132is also configured to push against one sidewall portion 150A thatdefines the slot 152 to move the reciprocating accessory 148 in thefirst direction while the reciprocating accessory 148 is guided linearlyby the guide members 144 and guiding connectors 146 as the pin 132 movesalong the length of the slot 154 of the oscillating link 136 in a firstdirection. As another example, when the pin 132 moves along the lengthof the slot 154 of the oscillating link 136 in a second direction, thepin 132 is configured to push against an opposite sidewall portion 150Bthat defines the slot 152 to move the reciprocating accessory 148 in thesecond direction while the reciprocating accessory 148 is guidedlinearly by the guide members 144 (and may be further guided by theguiding connectors 146).

As aforementioned, the multi-motion appliance 100 is a single,standalone power tool that is configured to generate three differentmotions at the same time. The multi-motion appliance 100 includes therotating member 134 with a first type of connector 176, which isconfigured to connect to and rotate any rotating accessory 164. Themulti-motion appliance 100 includes the oscillating member 160 with thesecond type of connector 198, which is configured to connect to andoscillate any oscillating accessory 166. The multi-motion appliance 100includes the pin 132, which is configured to provide reciprocatingmotion to any reciprocating accessory 148 as the reciprocating accessory148 is connected to and guided by the guide members 144 (and may befurther guided by the guiding connectors 146). In this regard, themulti-motion appliance 100 is advantageously configured to connect toaccessories that are customized for specific motions. The multi-motionappliance 100 is configured to connect to a single accessory (e.g.,rotating accessory 164, oscillating accessory 166, or a reciprocatingaccessory 148) at a given time to provide a single motion to theconnected accessory. Each accessory is configured to interface with thecover plate 142. In addition, each accessory is configured connect tothe appropriate connector that provides the desired motion while alsoproviding clearance for the remaining unselected connectors.

Each accessory includes at least one surface 206, which is configured toinclude and support at least one attachment (not shown) if desired. Theattachment is attachable or secured to the surface 206 and/or a part ofthe accessory via any suitable fastener or adhesive. As non-limitingexamples, the attachment may include a cleaning pad, a sponge, a brush,abrasive pad, polishing cloth, any suitable material/device, or anynumber and combination thereof. Alternatively, the surface 206 may beused directly on a work piece if desired. Furthermore, an accessory mayinclude a plurality of surfaces 206 to be able to contour and/or workwith curved portions of work pieces. As shown in FIGS. 11A, 11B and 11C,the surface 206 may include at least one hole 208 for drainage, materialsavings, or the like. The surface 206 may include any suitable shape inplan view.

FIGS. 9A and 9B illustrate different views of an example of the rotatingaccessory 164. More specifically, FIG. 9A illustrates a view of therotating accessory 164 when the rotating accessory 164 is secured to themulti-motion appliance 100. In this regard, when the rotating accessory164 is connected and the power is turned-on, then the multi-motionappliance 100 is configured to rotate the rotating accessory 164 via therotating motion that is output by the rotating member 134. In this case,the rotating accessory 164 includes a surface 206 comprising a roundshape as an example. FIG. 9B illustrates a view of the rotatingaccessory 164 when the rotating accessory 164 is not connected to themulti-motion appliance 100. As aforementioned, the multi-motionappliance 100 is configured to connect to and disconnect from anyrotating accessory 164 that includes the first type of connector 178 orany suitable connector that is connectible/compatible with the firsttype of connector 176. FIG. 9B also illustrates the snap-fit components182, which are included as a part of this example of the first type ofconnector 178.

FIGS. 10A and 10B illustrate different views of an example of theoscillating accessory 166. More specifically, FIG. 10A illustrates aview of the oscillating accessory 166 when the oscillating accessory 166is secured to the multi-motion appliance 100. In this regard, when theoscillating accessory 166 is connected and the power is turned-on, thenthe multi-motion appliance 100 is configured to oscillate theoscillating accessory 166 via the oscillating motion that is output byoscillating member 160. In this case, the oscillating accessory 166includes a surface 206 comprising a substantially round/elliptical shapeas an example. FIG. 10B illustrates a view of the oscillating accessory166 when the oscillating accessory 166 is not connected to themulti-motion appliance 100. As aforementioned, the multi-motionappliance 100 is configured to connect to and disconnect from anyoscillating accessory 166 that includes the second type of connector 200or any suitable connector that is connectible/compatible with the secondtype of connector 198. FIG. 10B also illustrates the snap-fit components204, which are included as a part of this example of the second type ofconnector 200.

FIGS. 11A, 11B, 11C, and 11D illustrate views of various examples ofreciprocating accessories 148. More specifically. FIG. 11A illustrates aview of a first example of a reciprocating accessory 148 when the firstexample of the reciprocating accessory 148 is secured to themulti-motion appliance 100. FIG. 11B illustrates a view of the firstexample of the reciprocating accessory 148 when the first example of thereciprocating accessory 148 is not connected to the multi-motionappliance 100. FIG. 11C illustrates a view of a second example of thereciprocating accessory 148. FIG. 11D illustrates a view of a thirdexample of the reciprocating accessory 148. In this regard, when any ofthese reciprocating accessories 148 is connected and the power isturned-on, then the multi-motion appliance 100 is configured to providereciprocating motion to the connected reciprocating accessory 148 viathe reciprocating motion that is output by the pin 132. Morespecifically, for example, the pin 132 is configured to push againstsidewall portions 150 such that the reciprocating accessory 148 moveswith the reciprocating motion. In these examples, the reciprocatingaccessories 148 of FIGS. 11B and 11C include a surfaces 206 comprisingrectangular shapes in plan view while the reciprocating accessory 148 ofFIG. 11D includes a surface 206 comprising a substantially triangularshape with rounded corners in plan view.

As discussed herein, the multi-motion appliance 100 includes a number ofadvantageous features, as well as benefits. For example, themulti-motion appliance 100 is a power tool, which is configured toprovide at least a rotating motion, an oscillating motion, and areciprocating motion, thereby eliminating the need to purchase threedifferent tools to obtain these three different motions. Themulti-motion appliance 100 is configured to provide at least these threedifferent motions at the same time when the multi-motion appliance 100is powered-on (or switched to an on-state). In addition, themulti-motion appliance 100 is advantageous in that the user is relievedfrom the additional burden of having to actively select a differentoperating mode to switch to a different motion after attaching thedesired accessory and powering on the multi-motion appliance 100. As theuser does not have to switch operating modes to switch to differentmotions, the multi-motion appliance 100 is enabled to have a simpleinterface (e.g. power-on switch) without needing extra buttons toactivate/deactivate different motions.

In addition, the multi-motion appliance 100 is advantageously configuredas a hand-held power tool, which is useful in a number of applications,such as cleaning applications or other suitable applications. Thehand-held power tool is beneficial in providing three power take-offs,which operate simultaneously. For example, the hand-held power tool has(i) a first power take-off that rotates about an output axis, (ii) asecond power take-off that oscillates about that same output axis in arange between at least two predetermined angles, and (iii) a third powertake-off that rotates about another axis, which is offset from the driveaxis, so as to provide reciprocating motion. The axes of the three powertake-offs are parallel or generally parallel to one another. Inaddition, the hand-held power tool is configured to provide only thecorresponding motion from among the three motions to the attachedaccessory at any given time. In this regard, for example, an accessoryis configured to selectively attach to (i) the rotating member 134, (ii)the oscillating member 160, or (iii) the guide members 144/guidingconnectors 146 of the cover plate 142 while engaging with the pin 132.Each accessory is configured for and dedicated to a single motion byconnecting to a specific member (e.g., rotating member 134, oscillatingmember 160, or guide members 144 while engaging with pin 132) thatperforms that single motion.

Furthermore, the multi-motion appliance 100 is advantageous in enablinga user to select a particular motion for a particular application withease, thereby providing more effective results. For example, therotating motion is advantageous in cleaning flat surfaces. In addition,the oscillating motion may be performed with a relatively smalloscillating angle, thereby enabling greater precision and control of theaccessory during use. Also, the multi-motion appliance 100 tends toproduce less splatter of matter, such as water, cleaning products, orthe like, when the oscillating motion is applied to an accessorycompared to the other motions. The multi-motion appliance 100 also tendsto provide a relatively aggressive form of cleaning with less vibrationswhen operating with the oscillating motion compared to the reciprocatingmotion. Furthermore, the multi-motion appliance 100 is configured toprovide a reciprocating motion to an accessory, which is advantageous incleaning grout, joints, hard-to-reach corners, crevasses, barbequegrates, duct vents, shoes, other items, or any combination thereof.

That is, the above description is intended to be illustrative, and notrestrictive, and provided in the context of a particular application andits requirements. Those skilled in the art can appreciate from theforegoing description that the present invention may be implemented in avariety of forms, and that the various embodiments may be implementedalone or in combination. Therefore, while the embodiments of the presentinvention have been described in connection with particular examplesthereof, the general principles defined herein may be applied to otherembodiments and applications without departing from the spirit and scopeof the described embodiments, and the true scope of the embodimentsand/or methods of the present invention are not limited to theembodiments shown and described, since various modifications will becomeapparent to the skilled practitioner upon a study of the drawings,specification, and following claims. For example, in other embodiments,the multi-motion appliance 100 includes a belt driving mechanism todrive the second shaft 122 (output shaft) based on or in accordance witha movement of the first shaft 116 (driving shaft). In this regard, thebelt driving mechanism is used in place of the gear set (the first gear118 and the second gear 120) to provide the same or similar functions.As another example, in other embodiments, the multi-motion appliance 100includes a cam mechanism to provide and output the reciprocating motionto a reciprocating accessory 148. In this regard, the cam mechanism isused in place of the pin 132 and slot 154 to provide the same or similarfunctions. In some embodiments, the cam mechanism is configured andoperable in a similar manner to a cam mechanism that providesreciprocating motion to a reciprocating saw. Furthermore, as yet anotherexample, components and functionality may be separated or combineddifferently than in the manner of the various described embodiments, andmay be described using different terminology. These and othervariations, modifications, additions, and improvements may fall withinthe scope of the disclosure as defined in the claims that follow.

What is claimed is:
 1. A power tool comprising: a first shaft configuredto be driven to rotate by a motor; a first gear movable by the firstshaft; a second gear movable by the first gear; a second shaft movableby the second gear; a rotating member movable by the second shaft, therotating member being configured to output a rotating motion; a pin; ayoke movable by the first shaft, the yoke being configured to move thepin; and an oscillating link movable by the pin, the oscillating linkhaving an oscillating member that is configured to output an oscillatingmotion.
 2. The power tool of claim 1, wherein the rotating memberoutputs the rotating motion at the same time that the oscillating memberoutputs the oscillating motion.
 3. The power tool of claim 1, wherein:the oscillating link includes a slot; the pin is configured to movewithin the slot and push against sidewall portions of the oscillatinglink that define the slot such that the oscillating member oscillatesbetween a first angle and a second angle; and the pin includes a portionthat extends beyond a surface of the oscillating link to output areciprocating motion.
 4. The power tool of claim 3, wherein the rotatingmotion, the oscillating motion, and the reciprocating motion are outputsimultaneously when the motor is operating.
 5. The power tool of claim1, wherein: the oscillating member includes a slot to receive therotating member; and the rotating member is rotatable within the slot.6. The power tool of claim 1, wherein: the rotating member includes asleeve portion that receives the second shaft; the sleeve portion issecured to the second shaft by a fastener so that the rotating membermoves with the second shaft; and the rotating member includes aconnecting portion with at least one connector that is configured toconnect to and disconnect from a corresponding connector of a rotatingaccessory.
 7. The power tool of claim 1, wherein: the yoke includes afirst opening to receive the first shaft at a first location of theyoke; the yoke includes a second opening to receive the pin at a secondlocation of the yoke; the first location is at a center region of theyoke; and the second location is offset from the first location.
 8. Apower tool comprising: a driving shaft movable about a first axis whendriven by a motor; an output shaft movable about a second axis; a gearset that moves the output shaft as the driving shaft moves; a yokeconfigured to move with the driving shaft; a pin configured to move withthe yoke; and an oscillating link having a slot to receive the pin andbeing movable by the pin, the oscillating link having an oscillatingmember to output an oscillating motion, wherein the pin is configured tomove within the slot, the pin having a portion that extends beyond asurface of the oscillating link to output a reciprocating motion.
 9. Thepower tool of claim 8, wherein the oscillating member outputs theoscillating motion at the same time that the pin outputs thereciprocating motion.
 10. The power tool of claim 8, wherein: the yokeis structured to receive the driving shaft at a first location of theyoke; the yoke is structured to receive the pin at a second location ofthe yoke; the first location is at a center region of the yoke; and thesecond location is offset from the first location.
 11. The power tool ofclaim 8, further comprising: a rotating member movable by the outputshaft, the rotating member being configured to output a rotating motion.12. The power tool of claim 11, wherein: the rotating member isconfigured to output the rotating motion at the same time that theoscillating member is configured to output the oscillating motion; andthe oscillating member is configured to output the oscillating motion atthe same time that the pin is configured to output the reciprocatingmotion.
 13. The power tool of claim 11, wherein: the rotating member isattachable to and detachable from a rotating accessory; the oscillatingmember is attachable to and detachable from an oscillating accessory;and the pin is configured to provide the reciprocating motion to areciprocating accessory.
 14. The power tool of claim 13, furthercomprising: a gear box having a cover plate, wherein the cover plateextends along a plane that is perpendicular to the first axis, and thecover plate includes rails that guide the reciprocating accessory alonga linear path.
 15. A power tool comprising: a rotating member configuredto output a rotating motion, the rotating member being attachable to anddetachable from a rotating accessory; an oscillating member configuredto output an oscillating motion, the oscillating member being attachableto an detachable from an oscillating accessory; a pin configured tooutput a reciprocating motion, the pin being configured to provide thereciprocating motion to a reciprocating accessory; and a motorconfigured to drive the rotating member, the oscillating member, and thepin such that the rotating motion, the oscillating motion, and thereciprocating motion are output simultaneously by the power tool. 16.The power tool of claim 15, further comprising: a driving shaft movableabout a first axis when driven by the motor; an output shaft movableabout a second axis; and a gear set configured to move the output shaftas the driving shaft moves; wherein, the pin is offset from the firstaxis; the oscillating member is rotatable about the second axis; and therotating member is rotatable about the second axis.
 17. The power toolof claim 16, further comprising: a yoke configured to move the pin asthe driving shaft moves, wherein, the yoke is structured to receive thedriving shaft at a first location of the yoke; the yoke is structured toreceive the pin at a second location of the yoke; the first location isat a center region of the yoke; and the second location is offset fromthe first location.
 18. The power tool of claim 16, further comprising:a gear box having a cover plate, wherein the cover plate extends along aplane that is perpendicular to first axis, and the cover plate includesrails that guide the reciprocating accessory along a linear path. 19.The power tool of claim 15, further comprising: an oscillating linkhaving a slot to receive the pin, wherein: the oscillating memberprotrudes outward from the oscillating link; the pin is configured tomove within the slot and push against sidewall portions of theoscillating link that define the slot such that the oscillating memberoscillates; and the pin includes a portion that extends beyond a surfaceof the oscillating link and outputs the reciprocating motion.